LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Michael Harold Ollis, of Staten Island, New York, and paying tribute to
his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Free-
dom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis,
of Staten Island, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions
as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Staff Sergeant Michael
Harold Ollis, age 24, died on August 28, 2013, in eastern Afghanistan,
during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Army Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis posthumously
received the Silver Star, the military's third highest decoration, for
his valor and bravery while saving the life of a Polish officer; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Silver Star, Staff Sergeant Michael Harold
Ollis posthumously received the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces
from the Polish government, and the Oakwood Heights Post, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, was renamed in his honor; and
WHEREAS, An effort is being made to memorialize the service and sacri-
fice of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis through the designation of a
Staten Island Ferry vessel in his name; and
WHEREAS, A great American and a hero in the truest sense of the word,
Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis displayed the ultimate act of
heroism; his leadership, selflessness and bravery will forever serve as
a reminder that freedom is not free; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis, of
Staten Island, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as
a member of the United States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis.